What Went Down at the 2018 House of Vans Manila

Stepped out on a Saturday to head on to the House of Vans Manila at the Metrotent in Ortigas. House of Vans Manila is a smorgasbord of everything that the brand promotes—sports, music, art, and just being yourself.

Upon entering the venue, you’d see people working on their creative prowess as they design their own Vans. There was also a short art workshop that was held within the area. Under the tent, a skate ramp was mounted for a few competitions and exhibitions by skateboarders young and old. There were also different booths inside the venue like Chronic Ink for tattoos, a vinyl and vintage station, and free silk screen printing pop-up. Outside was also as lively because that’s where the BMX jams and competitions was held and the food booths and some brand concessionaires were situated.

BMX jam happened outside the tent

The Rail’s area selling decks and skateboard accessories

Busy artists

Archie “Chichimonster” Geotina was one of the artists who did a short talk that day

Chronic Ink represent!

Chronic Ink’s Mia Locca Claravall-Reyes busy inking

Grace Palicas, grandniece of “mambabatok” Apo Wang-Od was there and did a few traditional hand-tapped tattoos

Vinyls. Good music.

Skateboarders young…

…and old

This year’s House of Vans Manila was extra special because Vans Philippines brought in one of the godfathers of modern skateboarding and the Lords of Dogtown Tony Alva. The 61-year-old showed everyone how it was done when he took over the skate ramp with some of the Vans Philippines skaters. The California native also did a short press conference at the venue and gave a few insights on skating, surfing, living life gratefully, and his spiritual enlightenment. He also shared that he skates and surfs at least five times a week. The skating legend also took the time to do a meet and greet, sign boards, and take photos with fans.